Netlix's true-crime docuseries, American Murder: Gabby Petito, delves deep and personal, exploring the tragic circumstances surrounding the life and death of Gabby Petito, capturing America’s attention during the fall of 2021.
Gabby, 22 years old and an aspiring social media influencer, had been traveling across the country with her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, documenting their so-called '#VanLife' adventure. With scenic vistas and happy snapshots sprinkled across social media, it all seemed like the quintessential couple living life to the fullest. That was until September 11, 2021, when Gabby's mother, Nichole Schmidt, reported her daughter missing, spurred by the last spoken contact on August 25 and ambiguous text messages after.
With her disappearance becoming national news, investigators and the public alike were desperate for answers. Just days later, on September 19, Gabby's lifeless body was discovered near Spread Creek camping area within Wyoming’s Bridger-Teton National Forest. An autopsy confirmed the tragic conclusion: homicide by strangulation. This shocking turn of events sent ripples of confusion and outrage across the nation, leaving many to grapple with how things escalated to such violence.
A key element of interpretation is the troubling red flags apparent at various points, which the documentary examines through interviews with those who knew Gabby best. Friends, family, and experts weigh in to paint the picture of not just Gabby, but also the controlling and at times, violent nature of her relationship with Brian Laundrie.
Disturbing footage from police body cameras on August 12, 2021, shows the aftermath of a reported domestic dispute between the couple. Witnesses had called 911 after allegedly observing Brian slap Gabby, and as police intervened, their discussions revealed the nuances of domestic disputes often left unnoticed. Despite the visible distress Gabby displayed, police deemed her the aggressor and chose to separate the couple for the night instead of arresting either party. This decision has come under scrutiny long after, as many speculate how things may have unfolded differently had they verified the underlying tensions.
According to the icy reactions from Gabby's family, Brian's immediate return to Florida without Gabby after her disappearance only raised more suspicion. He was labeled a 'person of interest' early on, and the web of lies he spun around Gabby’s texts only amplified the family’s growing frustrations. After Gabby's body was found, the investigation turned on Brian, culminating eventually with authorities tracking down his remains on October 20, 2021, just weeks after Gabby's body was located.
The documentary doesn't shy away from the personal details. Harrowing discussions from Gabby’s friends and family reveal the emotional manipulation she endured, instances where Brian undermined her independence, such as calling her job 'disgusting' and attempting to anchor her to him socially. "I think there was a moment before her van life when she started to open her eyes," friend Rose Davis reflects.
Interspersed are Gabby's heartfelt social media posts and the bittersweet fantasies of freedom she shared about living on the road. Narratives of entrapping relationships come forward as Brian's troubling nature takes shape; he reportedly manipulated Gabby emotionally and tried to limit her social interactions.
The narrative also brings to light shocking evidence like the text messages showing Brian sent fraudulent communications under Gabby’s name—an apparent attempt to create false alibis—while speculating what they meant to seek plausible deniability after the tragedy.
Public sentiments have ranged from heartbreak to outrage since the documentary's premiere on February 17, drawing attention on social media where viewers expressed raw emotions like fury at the Laundrie family, who famously refused to cooperate with investigators. “There’s a special place reserved for Brian Laundrie's parents right next to him,” one user suggested poignantly, underscoring the ethical dilemmas faced during the case.
While the Netflix series follows largely known events, it aims to humanize Gabby beyond media portrayals of the blonde victim. Reviewing various aspects of victimhood, including the importance of recognizing and addressing domestic violence, films like American Murder: Gabby Petito push society to reflect on the darker realities behind the 'perfect' images presented online.
Gabby's tragic story serves as more than just another sensational true-crime documentary; it’s a conversation starter about how domestic violence can remain hidden behind social media personas. The docuseries closes with poignant testimonies from those left behind, calling viewers to never forget Gabby's vibrant spirit and the urgent need to address such relationships with more seriousness, compassion, and awareness.